Newest Martinez restaurant set to open in Norton Commons

The energy of OLE Restaurant Group, Fernando Martinez’s restaurant management company that owns and operates, among other properties, Mussel & Burger Bar, El Taco Luchador and Guaca Mole, is not losing any steam. Its newest restaurant, Mercato Italiano, is scheduled to open in January in Norton Commons.

As reported in Louisville Business First, Mercato Italiano is hoping to open during the first or second week of January. The new restaurant will be a combination of Italian market and casual Italian restaurant, with a full bar as well. After an extensive remodeling, Mercato Italiano will take over the space most recentlyoccupied by Scott’s Village Market, at 10640 Meeting St.

James Swihart, formerly a chef at Cena, the upscale Italian restaurant in the elegant basement of Mussel & Birger Bar in Taylorsville Rd., will be the chef at Mercato Italiano. While some of the dishes from Cena’s menu might appear at the new restaurant, the look and feel will be much more casual than that of Cena. Lunch will focus onsandwiches, flatbreads, pasta dishes and salads; the dinner menu will offer more substantial dishes, but at a moderate price point.

In the market section of the business, customers will be able to buy cheeses, bread, charcuterie, packaged pastas and sauces, as well as tiramisu and cannoli.